Offenses Committed on Federal Lands

Arrested in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area? A Scranton, PA lawyer can help.

Thousands of people from throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York visit the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in the Pocono Mountains. The 40-mile-long park one hour from east of Scranton contains several waterfalls and extensive hiking trails, including a portion of the Appalachian Trail. The vast forests, ponds and Delaware River in the park also attract hunters, anglers and boaters.

Unfortunately, accidents sometimes happen here, including ones that result in criminal charges. These charges might seem straightforward. But since they occurred in a national park operated by the National Park Service on federal land, the consequences can be very serious.

Federal criminal charges must be taken seriously right from the start. If you've been arrested in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area or in another site maintained by the National Park Service in Pennsylvania, make sure you have a criminal defense lawyer on your side who understands the law for offenses committed on federal lands. Make sure you contact Mazzoni Karam Petorak & Valvano.

What are common offenses committed on federal lands in Pennsylvania?

Our law firm handles a wide range of cases involving people charged with crimes on federal lands, including the Delaware Water Gap and Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton. These charges include:

Do Pennsylvania's laws apply to crimes committed on federal lands?

No. The U.S. government classifies any crime committed on federal property as a federal crime. As a result, these cases are prosecuted in federal court. If you have been charged with a crime in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, your case will likely be prosecuted in federal court in Scranton.

In some circumstances, first-time offenders are eligible for the federal Pre-Trial Diversionary Program, which is similar to Pennsylvania's ARD program. According to the terms of this program, defendants often must complete a term of probation, after which the charges will be dismissed.

Federal court cases involving crimes committed on federal property can be extremely complicated. The penalties for federal crimes can also sometimes be very severe. But we are prepared to help clients navigate the legal system. We are well-versed in the laws and understand the federal criminal justice system in Pennsylvania.

Our knowledgeable Scranton federal crime attorneys at Mazzoni Karam Petorak & Valvano have years of experience handling such complicated cases. We will weigh the strength of the evidence against you, apply the law to your situation and build a strong defense and best possible case for acquittal.

If you or someone you know is charged with an offense committed on a federal land, contact us immediately. Schedule an appointment at our law firm in downtown Scranton just blocks away from the federal courthouse on North Washington Avenue. Call (570) 348-0776 for no-cost consultation.

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